Key keywords: Josh Giddey out, Matas Buzelis injury, Nick Richards ankle injury, Charlotte Hornets 2024-25 roster, NBA regular season injury report, Hornets frontcourt depth shortage, Hornets upcoming road trip lineup The Charlotte Hornets officially released their latest injury update on Monday morning, confirming that three core rotation players -- Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, and Nick Richards -- have been ruled out for the team’s upcoming three-game road trip against the Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, and Cleveland Cavaliers. Giddey, who was acquired by the Hornets in a pre-season trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder, suffered a Grade 1 groin strain in the third quarter of the team’s weekend loss to the Atlanta Hawks. The 22-year-old guard had been a consistent starter for the Hornets this season, averaging 12.3 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game while helping to steady the team’s second-unit offense when LaMelo Ball sits. Medical staff confirmed Giddey will be re-evaluated in 10 days, ruling him out for all three road contests and the team’s following home game against the Toronto Raptors. Rookie forward Matas Buzelis, the 11th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, will also miss the road trip after follow-up imaging revealed persistent swelling in his sprained left knee. Buzelis suffered the injury during a November 22 game against the Brooklyn Nets when he landed awkwardly after a transition dunk. The 19-year-old had emerged as a fan favorite in his first professional season, putting up 7.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game off the bench while shooting 38% from three-point range. Starting center Nick Richards completes the list of sidelined players, after he suffered a mild ankle sprain during a team practice on Sunday. Richards has been a cornerstone of the Hornets’ frontcourt this season, posting career-high averages of 11.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game while leading the team in field goal percentage at 64%. Hornets head coach Steve Clifford noted in a post-announcement press conference that the team will adjust its rotation to give additional minutes to young guards Amari Bailey and rookie forward Tidjane Salaun for the road trip. The Hornets currently sit 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 7-12 record, and face three top-10 Eastern Conference opponents on the upcoming trip. Team medical staff noted that all three players are expected to return to action by mid-December if their recovery progresses as planned, with no long-term injury concerns for any of the three sidelined contributors.